Armed suspect accused of impersonating a deputy in Fort Myers

Reporter: Gina Tomlinson Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Credit: Fort Myers Police Department.

Fort Myers Police Department seeks the public’s help to identify an armed suspect who is accused of impersonating a sheriff’s deputy in an attempt to enter a business Friday.

According to the FMPD press release, a man dressed in a generic Florida-style, deputy sheriff uniform went to LA #1 Check Cashing Store on Palm Beach Boulevard, where he tried to enter the back of the business. He told employees there he was responding to a call for service.

The suspect was seen in uniform with a badge, a semi-automatic pistol and radio. He left the area in a silver Chrysler 200 after employees wouldn’t let him in the check cashing store.

Credit: Fort Myers Police Department.

Neighbors nearby are worried other local businesses could be in danger after this happened.

“It does worry me and if I was a business I’d be worried more,” George Moorman said. “Who could you trust?”

However, Moorman was not surprised by the incident. He said the area is known for it.

“It’s a lot of crime going on,” George Moorman said.

Police advise anyone who sees the man in public not to approach him, since he is believed to be armed.

Anyone with information can contact FMPD Detective Nicholas Toma at 239-321-7812 or Ntoma@fmpolice.com. Or tipsters can call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at the Crime Stopper website or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

Credit: Fort Myers Police Department.

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